Opponents, including parents and children from schools threatened with the axe, were due to gather outside Merton House in their biggest show of defiance since the council unveiled their plan last month.

Unison spokeswoman Doreen Smith said: "We anticipate there will be coachloads of people coming for the demonstration.

"We will be disappointed if there are less than 500 people there.

"We expect a large proportion of those will be our members, but we expect members of the public also.

"We are protesting against the closure of schools and four residential homes for the elderly.

"Also we are objecting to the possibility of the closure of three centres for adults with learning difficulties.

"We believe these plans will impact on 1,000 jobs in the region."

Eleven schools are faced with closure due to falling pupil numbers.

The council has embarked on a 12-month consultation process involving all 89 primary schools.

A final decision is expected next spring. If the closures go ahead pupils will be dispersed to other schools.

The plan is expected to free up around £5m to spend on the remaining primary schools.

A council spokesman said: "We have had a constructive meeting with Unison and understand that they want to hold this rally.

"They have requested a formal time-off facility for any of their members who may wish to take part.

"This has been agreed subject to all service users being provided with continuous cover."